Jane Priest, 90, resident of Emeritus at Dowlen Oaks, passed away on January 5, 2011, when her struggle with poor health ended her long and vibrant life. She was born October 23, 1920, in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she also attended the University of Nebraska and was a seventy year member of the Tri Delta sorority. She was always involved in extracurricular activities such as Senior Class President, Student Council President, etc., and also reigned as Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters. While at the university, she wrote the words the university’s Cornhusker fight song, “Hail to the Team”.
Jane married naval aviator, Ralph Priest, now deceased, on November 21, 1942. They moved, with their two children, to Beaumont in 1954, following the Korean Conflict. Jane served as Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, “Jefferson County Medical Society Tumor Clinic” for fifteen years and also Executive Director of the American Lung Association for fourteen years. During this time she received many prestigious national awards because of her health agency work.
Jane loved Beaumont and loved being involved in civic activities and her work with the Beaumont Chambers of Commerce. In 1982, the Texas Pediatric Association awarded Jane their highest honor for education and help with children that have breathing problems. She was the first woman and non physician to receive the award. In 1994, she received The National Tri Delta award as the most outstanding Alumnae in the nation. Jane also served as Charter President and District and Regional Director of Soroptomist International. She was also a charter member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church where she served on the Board of Trustees and was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Jane was known as a public speaker, vocalist, and a poet. She was a firm believer in angels and had a large collection of them. She also collected pansies, the Tri Delta Flower.
Survivors include her son, Ralph “Skip” Priest, Jr. and his wife Dede of Portland, Oregon; daughter, Jayne Phillips and her husband Jerry of Kingwood, Texas; two grandsons, Dr. Ryan Priest and Chad Phillips and his wife Cortney; two granddaughters, Amanda Whitesides and her husband Andy and Shannon Mauldin and her husband Chris; and five great-grandchildren, Colton Mauldin, Sierra Mauldin, Brody Phillips, Brett Stevens, Lucas Whitesides, and Natalie Whitesides.
Her memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 7, 2011, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. Cremation arrangements were handled under the direction of Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
